Toronto will stage the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation Men's Under-23 World Championship ©Wheelchair Basketball Canada

Toronto will stage the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) Men's Under-23 World Championship in 2017, it has been announced.

Wheelchair Basketball Canada will host the event between June 8 and 16 at the Mattamy Athletic Centre.

Twelve countries, including the hosts, will take part with the top prize for junior players up for grabs.

Canada won the inaugural title in 1997 - also in Toronto - with next year's event marking the 20-year anniversary of that occasion.

“We are proud to host this prestigious event and once again welcome the wheelchair basketball world to the great city of Toronto,” said Wheelchair Basketball Canada Executive Director Wendy Gittens.

“As a world leader in our sport we’re thrilled to contribute to the development of the game and create a lasting legacy in the community by hosting a truly memorable event that is sure to captivate fans in Toronto and around the world.”

Toronto, the host of last year's Pan American Games and Parapan American Games, cancelled plans for a possible 2024 Olympic and Paralympic bid.

“The International Wheelchair Basketball Federation looks with great pleasure towards a new edition of the men's Under-23 World Championship 2017, hosted again in Toronto, Canada,” said IWBF President Ulf Mehrens.

Toronto hosted the Pan American Games and Parapan American Games last year
Toronto hosted the Pan American Games and Parapan American Games last year ©Getty Images

“This was the same city where the first tournament for our young top athletes took place 20 years ago, giving Canada a place in the history of IWBF.

“As one of the leading countries in wheelchair basketball, Canada is a reliable partner and supporter of the main competitions of IWBF.

"In the past, Wheelchair Basketball Canada has always provided great organisational expertise and a warm and friendly atmosphere for the athletes, teams, officials and fans.

"The frequent efforts of Wheelchair Basketball Canada as host for our sport events, especially for our younger top players, reflect the wonderful spirit and objectives of a sustainable promotion of our sport.”

The tournament, which is held every four years, will be in its sixth edition next year.

The game schedule, ticketing and volunteer information will all be finalised at a later date.

Germany are the defending champions after winning in Adana, Turkey, in 2013.